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Roger Howell document collection

 Collection
Identifier: M094

  • Staff Only
  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

The collection includes the signatures of four of the first seven presidents of the United States: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson [two signed in office]. Other materials consist of military and commerce documents from 1785 to 1847, including shipping documents, appointments, and legal notes, mostly from Maine and Massachusetts. Notable names include: James Bowdoin, Henry Clay, Sam Adams, William Shirley, Patrick Henry, and John Hancock. Also included are appointments signed by all but seven of the men who served as governor of Maine before 1887. There are letters or documents written and/or signed by seven of the first thirteen secretaries of the United States Treasury, including Alexander Hamilton. Additionally, there is material from colonial York County, Maine, concerning local militias, commerce, and legal cases. The collection was exhibited at one time; historical and contextual notes created for the display accompany each item.

Dates

  • Creation: 1689-1887

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

Though the compiler is unknown, the collection was acquired by Roger Howell, Jr. (Bowdoin 1958; President of the College 1969-1978). A portion of the collection documents the colonial era of York County, Maine, and neighboring towns, and illustrates the lives of members of the community, including William Pepperell and the Hill family. Other materials in the collection include appointments signed by many of the 19th century governors of Maine, letters or documents signed by some of the first secretaries of the United States Treasury, and the signatures of four of the nation's first seven presidents.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Documents (1689-1887) including legal, military, appointment and commerce documents, many from Maine and Massachusetts; documents include signatures of U.S. presidents and treasury secrataries, and Maine governors.

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Roger Howell Document Collection
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.